More training and a trip to Pai

Well, that knee problem I had got a bit worse last week as i was training and I was unable to continue running or jumping rope. Even today, a week later, I am restricted to just boxing and light kicking technique. The coaches are understanding and take it easy on my leg while demanding more from my boxing technique and power. Just yesterday I was in the ring with one of the coaches, Chelsea, who is a champion himself. As we were working on the simple technique of Jab-Cross he was yelling "no, more power. KNOCK OUT! KNOCK OUT!" It's a very intense way to train to say the least and I was drained by the time practice ended.

I am hoping to get a chance to practice clenching with the coaches after I saw what Be did in the ring. He fought last Thursday night at Thapae stadium and was scheduled to fight the next night as well at a different stadium. He wanted to finish the fight quickly so he would have energy for the next day. In the first round he went against tradition and came out strong and fast, as opposed to slow like most boxers do in the first two rounds. By the end of the first round he was rushing to the clinch again and again, driving his knees into his opponents chest with ridiculous speed and power. The bell rang and he barely took a break. As soon as the second round started he pushed his opponent into the corner and knocked him out from knees within 20 seconds. Afterwards he ran over to make sure his opponent was ok, paid his respects and checked if there was anything he could do.

Over the weekend I took Saturday and Sunday to drive out to Pai, 60 some miles from Chiang mai. The road to get there goes through about 30 miles of winding mountain pass with tight hairpin turns and mercurial weather. On the back of my little scooter I blasted into the mountains and had some of the most fun in a while. Going up hill my scooter was lucky to do 25 mph but coming down I would often end up doing 40 mph through tight corners. The best part was being able to stop when ever I wanted to take pictures, chill out and get coffee. I found a neat little cafe where i talked with the owner for an hour or more coming and going. We walked about his farm and his daughter who went to college in England. He asked me about home and I told him about the Northwest. Pai was a sleepy little town until recently but now expensive resorts dot the hill- and riverside. I found a little guest house out of the way that had every thing I needed, namely a bed and a shower. I took my time getting back Sunday, spending many hours up in the mountains and stopping at amazing vistas of the valleys below.

I am finally starting to upload pictures on Flicker.com. Just look for Adam shilling and you should be able to see some of my pictures. Sadly, the Internet is so slow that i can only get about 5 pictures on per hour and I have about 1000 in total. I will have to put the rest up when i get home but this should give you an idea of the beginning of my trip back in June. Anyway, I'm going to go get ready for more practice. My knee is no longer inflamed and I hope to be able to spend the last week going at full strength. Hope all is well and I'll write again soon.

Adam